Honda XR500 (1979)

The Honda XR 500 is a 1979 model year motorcycle with a four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve engine, with a capacity of 497cc or 30.3 cu-in. It has an 8.6:1 compression ratio and is air cooled, with a Keihin 34mm piston valve induction and a CDI ignition system. The bike is kickstarted and has a maximum power output of 36hp at 6500 rpm, with a max torque of 41.4 Nm at 5500rpm. The clutch is wet plate, and the transmission is 5 speed with a final drive chain. The frame is made of welded tubular steel, with Showa forks and dual shocks for suspension. The front brakes are 140mm drum and the rear brakes are 130mm drum. The front tyre is a 3.00-21 and the rear tyre is a 4.10-17. The dimensions of the bike are: 1215mm height, 2210mm length, 875mm width, with a wheelbase of 1400mm and a seat height of 880mm. Ground clearance is 280mm and the dry weight is 123.0kg, with a wet weight of 137kg. The fuel capacity is 12 litres or 3.1 US gallons and the top speed of the bike is 148.5 km/h. Overall, the Honda XR 500 is a powerful and sturdy motorcycle with impressive specifications for its time.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Honda XR 500

Year: 1979

Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve

Capacity: 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in

Bore x Stroke: 89 x 80 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 8.6:1

Induction: 1x Keihin 34 mm (1.34 in) piston valve

Ignition: CDI

Starting: Kick

Max Power: 36 hp / 26.3 kW @ 6500 rpm

Max Torque: 41.4 Nm / 4.2 kgf-m / 30 lb-f @ 5500 rpm

Clutch: Wet plate

Transmission: 5 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Welded tubular

Front Suspension: 37 mm Showa forks

Front Wheel Travel: 224 mm / 8.8 in

Rear Suspension: Dual shocks

Rear Wheel Travel: 198 mm / 7.8 in

Front Brakes: 140 mm drum

Rear Brakes: 130 mm drum

Front Tyre: 3.00-21

Rear Tyre: 4.10-17

Dimensions: Height 1215 mm / 47.8 in Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in

Wheelbase: 1400 mm / 55.1 in

Seat Height: 880 mm / 34.6 in

Ground Clearance: 280 mm / 11.0 in

Dry Weight: 123.0 kg / 271.2 lbs

Wet Weight: 137 kg / 302.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal

Top Speed: 148.5 km/h